Air intake system for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

An air intake system for a vehicle, having a hood that defines at least one intake aperture therethrough. The hood may be configured such that the intake apertures have substantially zero exposed area in the upper surface of the hood, such that debris cannot fall from directly above the hood into the intake apertures. A screen is engaged with the hood. The screen may define at least one screen aperture therethrough. A screen mount may be disposed within the screen aperture, and is engaged with the lower surface of the hood and with the screen. The air flow path may be shaped such that air must rise near the intake apertures and fall near the outflow aperture. The air intake system may include an air plenum adapted to supply air to an engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an air intake system for a vehicle, andmore particularly to an air intake system for a vehicle such as asnowmobile that resists drawing in debris, and that is less noisy for avehicle operator.

[0002] Known motorized vehicles require air intake systems to provideair to an engine, most commonly an internal combustion engine.Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with simple “straight-line” airintakes that draw air in an essentially linear path from the outside tothe engine. This is unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons.

[0003] A path that permits the flow of air may also permit the flow ofdebris, such as dust, snow, rain, leaves, etc. As engines are typicallyvery sensitive to contaminants, such debris can cause malfunctions ordamage if drawn in.

[0004] In addition, for many vehicles such as snowmobiles it is commonto position the main air intakes near the operator, for reasons based onthe structure and orientation of the engine. However, because it leadsdirectly to the engine, such an air intake provides a ready path forengine noise to reach the operator. This can cause discomfort for theoperator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore it is the purpose of the present invention to overcomethe deficiencies of the existing designs. It is the purpose of thepresent invention to provide an air intake system configured so as tominimize the intake of debris, and to minimize the noise emitted nearthe operator.

[0006] An embodiment of an air intake system in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention includes a hood adapted to beconnected to a vehicle.

[0007] The hood comprises first and second portions. The second portionis engaged with the first portion, and is vertically displaced from thefirst portion. Thus, the second portion is essentially a raised ordepressed area of the hood. The first portion also underlies the secondportion.

[0008] The first and second portions cooperate to form at least oneintake aperture through the hood.

[0009] The first and second portions may be separate pieces that arefitted and/or secured together. Alternatively, the hood may be formed asa single piece, with the first and second portions being integral withone another.

[0010] The second portion is shaped so as to extend horizontally beyondthe intake apertures, such that the intake apertures advantageously havezero exposed area in the upper surface of the hood. That is, the intakeapertures cannot be seen from above the hood. In this configuration,debris cannot fall directly into the intake apertures from above. Thisis of particular importance with regard to snow, ice, and other debris.Additionally, the intake apertures are unlikely to become blocked orfilled with accumulating debris. This is of importance with regard tostorage of the vehicle, when snow can accumulate from above onto theupper surface of the vehicle.

[0011] The air intake system also comprises a screening device, such asa mesh type screen or a filter material, hereinafter referred to as a“screen”, engaged with the lower surface of the second portion in such away that the lower surface and the screen define a cavity therebetween.The screen defines at least one screen aperture therethrough.

[0012] The air intake system may further comprise a screen mount. Thescreen mount is engaged with the lower surface of the second portion ofthe hood, and is engaged with the screen at the screen aperture. Thescreen mount defines at least one mount inlet located between the screenand the lower surface of the second portion of the hood, and at leastone mount outlet. The mount inlet and the mount outlet are incommunication with one another such that air may flow therethrough.Thus, air may flow from the cavity defined between the second portion ofthe hood and the screen, into the mount inlet, through the screen mount,and out through the mount outlet.

[0013] The hood, screen, and screen mount cooperate to define at leastone air path from the intake apertures to the mount outlet. The cavitycomprises a portion of the air flow path. The hood, screen and screenmount are configured so that the air flow path is non-linear.Preferably, the air flow path inclines upwards near the intakeapertures, and inclines downwards near the mount outlet, so that airmust rise and then fall as it passes through the air flow path. Such anair flow path tends to minimize the amount of debris carried from theintake apertures to the mount outlet, and reduces the passage of soundtherethrough.

[0014] In particular, an air flow path that is configured such that airtravels upward through the screen is especially advantageous, since itis particularly effective in preventing debris from passing through theair flow path. Also, when the air flow path has such a configuration,debris that is stopped by the screen falls naturally from the screen,making such an air intake system resistant to the accumulation ofdebris, and at least partially self-cleaning.

[0015] Preferably, the intake apertures and screen mount are located farfrom the operator, so as to further minimize perceived engine noise.Preferably, the intake apertures are located on the opposite side of awindshield from the operator.

[0016] The air intake system may also comprise an air plenum engagedwith the screen mount. The air plenum serves to baffle the air, furtherrestricting the emission of noise from the engine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding elementsin the figures.

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air intakesystem in accordance with the principles of the present invention,without the second portion.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross section of the air intake systemshown in FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the secondportion of the hood.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air intakesystem.

[0022]FIG. 5 is another perspective view of an embodiment of an airintake system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the present invention comprises anair intake system 10 suitable for use with a vehicle. As illustrated,the air intake system 10 is configured so as to be suitable for use witha snowmobile. Details of the engine, steering system, etc. are omittedfor clarity. It will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art thatthe present invention may also be suitable for use with other vehicles,including but not limited to personal watercraft, etc. Suitable vehiclesare well known, and are not described herein in detail.

[0024] The air intake system 10 comprises a hood 20 adapted to beengaged with a vehicle. The hood 20 comprises a first portion 21 and asecond portion 22. The second portion 22 is engaged with the firstportion 21, and is vertically displaced from the first portion 21. Thatis, the second portion 22 is essentially a raised area of the hood 20,while the first portion 21 is that portion of the hood other than theraised second portion 22.

[0025] As may be seen from FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the first portion 21extends horizontally across the area over which the second portion 22extends when in place on the first portion 21.

[0026] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first portion21 and the second portion 22 are separate pieces that are connectedtogether to form the hood 20. The first portion 21 of the embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 1, and the second portion 22 is illustratedseparately in FIG. 3. However, a hood 20 formed as a single piece,wherein the first and second portions 21 and 22 are integral with oneanother, may be equally suitable.

[0027] Likewise, a hood 20 that is formed as more than two pieces may beequally suitable. In particular, the underlying part 23 of the firstportion 21 over which the second portion 22 extends may be a separatepiece from the remainder of the first portion 21.

[0028] Furthermore, although the embodiment of the hood 20 shown has aparticular streamlined shape for reasons of efficiency and aesthetics,it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that a widevariety of other shapes may be equally suitable.

[0029] In some embodiments wherein the first and second portions 21 and22 are separate pieces, the second portion 22 may be removable from thefirst portion 21.

[0030] As is most easily seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and secondportions 21 and 22 cooperate to define at least one intake aperture 24through the hood 20. Referring to FIG. 2, the second portion 22 of thehood 20 comprises an upper surface 26 and a lower surface 28. As shownin FIGS. 4 and 5, the second portion 22 is configured so that it extendshorizontally beyond the intake apertures 24, such that the intakeapertures 24 have substantially zero exposed horizontal area. With thehood 20 oriented for engagement with a vehicle, the intake apertures 24have substantially zero area of projection on a plane located above thehood 20 and generally parallel to a surface on which the vehicle wouldrest. With such a configuration, debris cannot fall from directly abovethe hood 20 into the intake apertures 24. Additionally, debris fallingfrom directly above the hood 20 cannot block or accumulate within theintake apertures 24.

[0031] The embodiment of the hood 20 shown comprises intake apertures 24in particular shapes. Advantageously, some or all of the intakeapertures 24 are far from the operator of the vehicle, so as to minimizeengine noise as perceived by the operator. As illustrated in FIG. 4, theintake apertures 24 are defined in a portion of the hood 20 on theopposite side of a windshield 12. Thus, the windshield 12 is disposedbetween the intake apertures 24 and an operator. This is particularlyadvantageous in reducing engine noise as perceived by the operator.However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that avariety of shapes, sizes, locations, and numbers of intake apertures maybe equally suitable.

[0032] The air intake system 10 further comprises a screen 30. Thescreen 30 allows air to flow therethrough, but prevents debris frompassing therethrough and reaching the engine air inlet 14. The outeredge 34 of screen 30 is in engagement with the lower surface 28 of thehood 20, such that the lower surface 28 and the screen 30 cooperate todefine a cavity therebetween.

[0033] The screen 30 may be removably mounted to the lower surface 28 ofthe second portion 22.

[0034] The outer edge 34 of the screen 30 may comprise a edge mountingmechanism 35 to enable convenient engagement of the screen 30 with thelower surface 28. A variety of edge mounting mechanisms 35 may besuitable for engaging the screen 30 with the lower surface 28. Forexample, a mounting rim or a screen holder may be suitable. However,these mechanisms are exemplary only, and other mechanisms may be equallysuitable.

[0035] The screen 30 defines at least one screen aperture 32therethrough, the screen aperture having an inner edge 36.

[0036] The air intake system 10 may also comprise a screen mount 40disposed within the screen aperture 32. The screen mount 40 may beengaged with at least one of the lower surface 28 and the screen 30.Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the screen mount 40 is engagedwith both the screen 30 and the lower surface 28. Alternately, thescreen mount 40 may be engaged with a plenum 60.

[0037] The screen mount 40 defines at least one mount inlets 42 betweenthe lower surface 28 and the screen 30. The screen mount also defines atleast one mount outlet 44. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mount outlet 44is below the screen 30. However, the mount outlet 44 could also be abovethe screen 30, or at the same level as the screen 30. The mount inlets42 and the mount outlet 44 are in communication with one another suchthat air may flow therethrough.

[0038] The screen mount 40 serves as a durable contact point for thescreen 30 and the mount outlet 44. The screen 30 may be secured to thescreen mount 40 by gluing, welding, etc. The screen mount 40 may begenerally cylindrical in form, and may be made of plastic, metal, orother suitable material. The screen mount 40 may be secured by welding,gluing, etc. or may be part of an integrally formed structure. The mountinlets 42 may be in the form of apertures or notches in the upperportion of the wall of the screen mount 40.

[0039] It is pointed out that the screen mount 40 is exemplary only, andthat embodiments of the air intake system 10 without a screen mount 40may be equally suitable.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, a screen mount 40 is illustrated that isengaged with the hood 20 and the screen 30 and removably engaged withthe plenum 60. However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable inthe art that this configuration of outflow mount is exemplary only, andthat other configurations of outflow mount, or no outflow mount at all,may be equally suitable.

[0041] The air intake system 10 defines an air flow path 50 therein,extending from the intake apertures 24 to the engine air inlet 14. Aspreviously noted, the screen 30 is spaced apart from the lower surface28, so that the screen 30, the lower surface 28, and the outflow mount40 cooperate to define a cavity 52. The cavity 52 comprises a portion ofthe air flow path 50.

[0042] The air flow path 50 extends from the intake apertures 24,through the screen 30, and through the cavity 52 to the mount inlets 42,through the screen mount 40, and to the mount outlet 44.

[0043] The outer edge 34 of the screen 30 is in contact with the lowersurface 28 of the second portion 22 above the intake apertures 24, andthe inner edge 36 of the screen 30 is in contact with the screen mount40 below the mount inlets 42 so as to bound the air flow path 50. Theair entering through the intake apertures 24 thus passes through thescreen 30 before it reaches the mount inlets 42.

[0044] It will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that thisconfiguration of air flow path is exemplary only, and that otherconfigurations may be equally suitable. In particular, in an embodimentof an air intake system with no outflow mount, an air flow path would bedefined by the screen 30 and lower surface 28, and would extend from theintake apertures 24 to the mount outlet 44.

[0045] The air flow path 50 is shaped such that air travelingtherethrough must move in a non-linear fashion. That is, air flowingfrom the intake apertures 24 to the mount outlet 44 must travel in acurve or around at least one corner. Arrows marked on FIG. 2 indicateexemplary directions of air motion within the air flow path 50.

[0046] Advantageously, the air flow path 50 is shaped so that airtraveling therethrough must travel upward through the screen 30, risingnear the intake apertures 24 and falling near the mount outlet 44. Sucha configuration is particularly effective for preventing the movement ofdebris along with flowing air.

[0047] In addition, for an air flow path 50 that passes upwards througha screen 30, any debris stopped by the screen 30 will be on theunderside of the screen 30. It is thus unlikely that debris will adhereto or accumulate on the screen 30, since gravity tends to remove anydebris attached to it. Vibrations and shocks, as from the engine andfrom the motion of the vehicle, will also tend to loosen any debris.Thus, the screen 30 is at least partially self-cleaning.

[0048] Furthermore, as illustrated the screen may be shaped so as to begenerally parallel with the lower surface 28 of the second portion 22 ofthe hood 20. This is advantageous, in that the shape of the hood 20 inthe embodiment illustrated yields an air flow path 50 with non-linearair flow while taking up relatively little volume. However, it will beapparent to those knowledgeable in the art that this shape is exemplaryonly, and that other shapes may be equally suitable.

[0049] As shown, the embodiment illustrated comprises an air plenum 60removably engaged with the mount outlet 44. The air plenum 60 is adaptedto provide air to an engine, in particular to an internal combustionengine. The air plenum 60 serves to further baffle and disrupt the flowof sound from the engine. The removable engagement permits the easyengagement and disengagement of the screen mount 40 and the plenum 60,e.g. when opening and closing the hood 20. However, it will be apparentto those knowledgeable in the art that this configuration is exemplaryonly, and that other configurations of plenum, including but not limitedto a plenum that is flexible to accommodate motion of the hood with orwithout being removably engagable, or no plenum at all, may be equallysuitable.

[0050] For embodiments of an air intake system 10 that comprise a plenum60, the plenum 60 comprises at least a portion of the airflow path 50.

[0051] The air intake system 10 may also define a further intakeaperture 25 provided in addition to or instead of the intake apertures24. The further intake aperture 25 may be located nearer the operator,for example in front of the windshield, and may have a non-zero exposedarea in the upper surface 26 of the hood 20. Air entering through thefurther intake aperture 25 enters the air flow path 50 as does airentering the intake apertures 24. Advantageously, air entering throughthe further intake aperture 25 also travels upward through the screen30, rising near the further intake aperture 25 and falling near themount outlet 44. In the exemplary configuration shown, a further intakeaperture 25 is illustrated with a particular shape and location.However, it will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art that afurther intake aperture 25 with a different configuration, or no furtherintake aperture 25 at all, may be equally suitable.

[0052] The air intake system 10 may comprise a variety of generallydurable materials. Suitable materials include but are not limited toplastic, metal, and fiberglass. The air intake system may also comprisefilters, seals, and engagement mechanisms. Such devices are well known,and are not detailed further herein.

[0053] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

We claim:
 1. An air intake system for a vehicle, said air intake systemcomprising: at least one air intake; an engine air inlet incommunication with said at least one air intake; an air flow path fromsaid at least one air intake to said engine air inlet; a screeninterposed between said at least one air intake and said engine airinlet such that air flowing through said air flow path must pass throughsaid screen; wherein said air flow path rises between said at least oneair intake and said screen, such that air passing through said screenmust rise while passing through said screen.
 2. The air intake systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a hood that defines said atleast one air intake.
 3. The air intake system according to claim 2,wherein said hood comprises a first portion and a second portion engagedtherewith; said second portion engaging said first portion and beingvertically displaced above said first portion; wherein said first andsecond portions cooperate to define said at least one air intake.
 4. Theair intake system according to claim 3, wherein an underlying part ofsaid first portion underlies said second portion.
 5. The air intakesystem according to claim 4, wherein said underlying part is a separatepiece from a remainder of said first portion.
 6. The air intake systemaccording to claim 3, wherein said first and second portions comprise asingle, integral piece.
 7. The air intake system according to claim 1,wherein said at least one air intake is configured such that said atleast one air intake has defines substantially zero area of projectionon a plane above said hood as viewed from above said hood.
 8. The airintake system according to claim 4, wherein said second portion extendshorizontally beyond said said at least one air intake.
 9. The air intakesystem according to claim 2, wherein said second portion furthercomprises a lower surface, and wherein said screen is engaged with saidlower surface of said second portion such that said screen and saidlower surface cooperate to define a cavity therebetween, said cavitycomprising at least a portion of said air flow path.
 10. The air intakesystem according to claim 9, wherein said screen is removably engagedwith said lower surface of said second portion.
 11. The air intakesystem according to claim 9, wherein said screen comprises an outeredge, said outer edge being in contact with said lower surface of saidsecond portion.
 12. The air intake system according to claim 10, furthercomprising an edge mounting mechanism engaged with said outer edge. 13.The air intake system according to claim 9, wherein said screen definesa screen aperture therethrough.
 14. The air intake system according toclaim 13, further comprising an screen mount engaged with said screenaperture.
 15. The air intake system according to claim 2, furthercomprising an air plenum defining at least a part of said air flow path,said air plenum being in communication with said engine air inlet. 16.The air intake system according to claim 14, further comprising an airplenum defining at least a part of said air flow path, said air plenumbeing in communication with said engine air inlet, wherein said screenmount and said air plenum are removably engaged.
 17. The air intakesystem according to claim 2, further comprising a further air intake.18. The air intake system according to claim 1, wherein the vehiclecomprises a windshield, and said at least one air intake is defined in aposition such that the windshield is between said at least one airintake and an operator of the vehicle.
 19. The air intake systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the screen is arranged such that debrisfiltered from air flowing through said screen along said air flow pathis pulled away from said screen by gravity.
 20. The air intake systemaccording to claim 3, wherein said second portion is removable from saidfirst portion.
 21. A method for drawing air into an engine, said methodcomprising the steps of: drawing air through at least one air intakeinto an air flow path; drawing air from said at least one air intakethrough a screen disposed in said air flow path, said screen beingconfigured such that air flowing into said air flow path must passthrough said screen, said screen being configured such that air passingthrough said screen must rise while passing through said screen; drawingair from said air flow path into an engine air inlet.